In recent years, the divisiveness and rancor of the current national political context have weighed heavily on University of Washington students, faculty and staff alike. In the places where we live, learn, work and gather, each of us faces the challenge of dealing with a spectrum of emotions while continuing to navigate the demands of our daily lives.
Our students – regardless of personal background, field of study or political affiliation – are especially impacted by the current climate and are actively seeking meaningful ways to manage their emotions, make meaning of current events and connect with others. Faculty and staff play essential roles in ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, tools and experiences needed to navigate these challenging times.
- The Center for Teaching & Learning’s “Addressing distressing current events” page has guidance on conversations in the classroom
- The Center for an Informed Public can help you navigate complex topics
- LiveWell has helpful resources for students looking to improve their communication skills
- The Resilience Lab provides trainings and tools to help faculty, staff and students build self-awareness, respond more effectively to stress and cultivate compassion